“I am hoping to be able to tell stories through Cinema and Theatre in the future” – Mantra

Mantra

RJ, actor, host, director and producer, Mantra dons several hats. Under his banner MnM Talkies, Mantra recently released a new podcast ‘Virus 2062' which features Bollywood stars Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal. In a candid chat, Mantra shares details of his journey in the industry, talk about Virus 2062 and his future projects. Read on:

You have been in the industry since long. How will you sum up your journey?

I did it my way. I didn't follow a set pattern or applied the formula. Because I truly believe you cannot follow someone else's path; you have to create your own. Thus, I didn't mind being the jack of all trades and did everything that I relished.

How and when did you plan to start your own venture MnM Talkies? What have been the key releases under the banner so far?

Audio has always been my first love. After spending so many years on radio, I wanted to explore other aspects of the medium and thus I set up MnM Talkies. This is where my love for Theatre and Cinema met my world of audio storytelling. Under the banner we produced many pathbreaking audio fiction shows like ‘Kaali Awaazein' starring Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, ‘Bhaskar Bose' India's most loved detective audio series and recently ‘Virus 2062' starring Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha which has created new milestones in the world of Podcasts.

How is the feedback on Virus 2062?

Virus 2062 is the podcast of the Year. It has crossed all parameters of success and is still going strong. Anyone and everyone who has heard it has said only two words - mind blowing!

After Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, any other Bollywood stars with whom plan to work with or have projects lined-up?

We are set for the release of a few more series in the coming days, starring some of the finest actors I have worked with. You will be hearing it from official sources soon.

With the OTT boom, do you think podcasts will get that kind of audience?

It has been a good start for the podcast industry and podcasters are garnering enough listens to establish the fact that the audience is consuming good content no matter whether they receive it from video or audio portals.

What are your business expansion plans for MnM Talkies?

We want to be making more shows and have expanded our team. What started off as a passion project has taken the shape of an industry but I would still like to keep the authenticity intact. The goal is to be able to tell stories in the best way we can.

After acting, hosting, production, what's next in your bucket list that you wish to explore?

I have enjoyed directing audio films and I am hoping to be able to tell stories through Cinema and Theatre in the future.

How has been life in pandemic? Any new learnings?

Pandemic gave me a lot of time to understand scripts and screenplays. On an average I would read 2-3 scripts every day and was amazed at the possibilities of telling a story in many ways.

World Tourism Day has just gone by. What's your favourite travel destination and why?

I feel for the tourism and hospitality industry who has probably taken the maximum hit due to the pandemic. I pray and hope the world opens up soon and may we travel freely like we did before. I would love to explore north east India on a bike. I have had the best time of my life riding through Meghalaya all by myself for a month and would love to do it again.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

I am currently hosting the IPL on Hotstar and am looking forward to the release of my film Rashmi Rocket where I play the coach of Indian Women's Track and Field team.